It is mid-September 2023. The unusually high summer tem-perature in Texas this year is slowly decreasing. A little rain shower has brought some relief to us and the plants and animals by cooling the atmosphere. The Temple of Compassion, Shri Gurudev's picturesque ashram in Texas, is in a serene atmosphere, located in nature's divine lap. The creek is now dry; the ponds are low. Yet, the tall trees and grass still show their strength as they combat the calamity of drought and dryness.
Years ago, Shri Gurudev envisioned an ashram in the West, with monastics and cows, flora and fauna, and a garden of vegetables and other plants. Lately, the thought of Shri Gurudev resonates in me more vibrantly than usual. Indeed, this is the fiftieth year since he came to the West. And over two decades have passed since he left his mortal coil.
But has he truly left? This thought cropped up in my mind.
His presence, his teachings, his dynamism, his love and compassion, his smile, his inspiration everything about him keeps flashing in my mind. In spirit and reality, he is still alive and active, not only in me but also in the minds and hearts of countless seekers, even those who never saw him physically. Through their meditation and love they feel him and receive his help.
Another question came to my mind. "What is the meaning and purpose of commemoration and celebration for those who are truly alive?" We celebrate the joy of experiencing Shri Gurudev's love more deeply in our minds and hearts. At the same time we remember that he is in us; we remember his life and teachings; and we gradually perceive him more and refresh our lives in his loving and living presence.
Let Us Reflect Since the beginning of creation, how many have been born and are now gone? Who keeps a record, and who among the departed are still in human memory? Those few great souls who loved God, who lived for God, who served His creation, and who sacrificed their lives for humankind still live in the hearts of many.
These great people were scientists or perhaps saints and sages, philosophers, philanthropists, poets, writers, or social reformers. What was their commonality? They loved creation and loved life. They lived for others. Undoubtedly, their lives were truly lived.
Their lives, teachings, and contributions are a treasure for all humanity, transcending time, place, nationality, and even culture. They lived for humanity; they offered their lives, inspiration, and guidance to help those during their lifetime and countless generations yet to come.
We are on a path that helps us lead spiritual lives of love and compassion; thus, the divine incarnations, the saints and sages, and even the masters and the lineage we follow inspire us and help us grow. Our beloved Shri Gurudev is among them. Many of us lived with him or saw him. We are undoubtedly fortunate for this divine opportunity.
However, even those who did not see him can hear about him from those who did. Reading about him, his teachings, and practicing his instructions invites him to live within us, to live in our understanding hearts, through our love. His life and teachings are the real treasures in our hearts that can be invested in our lives.
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